By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our
Privacy Statement, and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our
Visitor Agreement.
Comments
Really? The only way to properly do that study is to give a group of unhappy people lots of money and watch them for a period of time. So I would have to ask who got all the money and if I said I was unhappy could I get some?
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
One way the study has been done is to observe big lottery winners. If they weren't happy people before winning then they won't become happy after winning...in fact many become very depressed and lose the money they won.
So, we don't have to give you a few million dollars to test the question, unfortunately.
Here is a fact for you:
In fact, in a study of members of the Forbes 400 "richest" list, the world's wealthiest individuals rated their satisfaction at exactly the same level as did the Inuit people of northern Greenland and the Masai of Kenya, who have no electricity or running water.
Then there is this story:
Posted by Karen Datko Tuesday, February 09, 2010 7:15:38 PM
This kind of story gives you faith in humankind, or makes you feel you’ve entered the Twilight Zone: An Austrian multimillionaire is giving away all his money to charity in pursuit of a simple, happy life.
Happiness and self-realization eluded Karl Rabeder as he indulged in a supremely materialistic lifestyle -- a $2.2 million, 3,455-square-foot lakeside villa in the Alps, a farmhouse on 42 acres in Provence, six gliders, an Audi A8. His entire fortune was estimated at $4.7 million.
Rabeder, now 47 and divorced, lives in a two-room apartment in Innsbruck, and gets by on just $1,260 a month. “The worst that can happen to me is that I have to take a small job to get by,” he told the Daily Mail.
Money Central
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
There are two types of lottery winners. The first type is are the ones that go on a spending spree and squander their winnings. They usually wake up one morning and realize that they are in a considerable amount of debt. Enough that it would eat up a sizable amount of any future payouts. Or if they took a lump sum that the vast majority of their winnings is gone forever. Thes people generally become unhappy and/or depressed at their situation.
The second type is the ones that are more fiscally prudent. They are the ones that plan out what they are going to do and after the payouts end have a sizable chunk of their winnings in some sort of investment. These people tend to be more content and happy.
These results are usually independent of their rate of happiness prior to winning.
Most of the lottery studies I have seen tend to focus heavily of the first group.
In fact, in a study of members of the Forbes 400 "richest" list, the world's wealthiest individuals rated their satisfaction at exactly the same level as did the Inuit people of northern Greenland and the Masai of Kenya, who have no electricity or running water.
Completely and totally meaningless as the social and cultural differences are huge. Were any of the Forbes 400 richest Inuit? or Masia? If not then you are compairing apples to aircraft carriers.
Lets compair the richest in NYC to those living in NYC's slums.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
All that proves to me is that when you don’t know anything about money when it’s handed to you, you still won’t know anything about it. The real reason they are unhappy is because they want the money back.
If you’d like to do a worth while study give it to me. I’d at least make posters around here happy with a few sales tales, really.
WHERE’S THE MONEY !!!!!
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
It has been known to happen that when someone who doesn't know much about money comes into a lot of money they consult someone who does know something about money.
It may not happen often, but some people are smart enough to do it.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Darn right. Sometimes the only equipment you need is located between your ears. Today I was charging his battery back up for the third time when I noticed that the two overhead map lights were still on several minutes after I closed the door. The interior lights are on a time delay and all went off as they should. I reached up and flicked the switches and the map lights went off too.
It seems that a some point my son had turned on the map lights and soon after left the car without turning them off. Because all the light are on time delay he was away from the car when all the other lights timed out except the map lights. It seems that those two little light were enough to drain the battery down to a no-start condition overnight.
I hope that solves the problem and I don't have to spend any of my precious cash.
2019 Kia Soul+, 2015 Mustang GT, 2013 Ford F-150, 2000 Chrysler Sebring convertible
Once again this proves that you have to know how to use the equipment that you have. Too many options that are supposed to be automatic will lull you to sleep if you're not careful.
It seems that those two little light were enough to drain the battery down to a no-start condition overnight.
Believe it or not, a slow discharge to a good lead acid battery is a good thing. We used to do it all the time on aircraft batteries when our planes were in for periodic maintenance inspections when I was in the Navy. Just not a convenient thing when you’re on the road and go to a restaurant or an extended mall visit.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
That's OK. He didn't want the oldest customer either but was ince enough to take care if you anyway....
I can't imagine being 75 years old had still having to sell cars!
I miss my co-workers but I sure don't miss the rest!
Remember: Wills can be changed.
Richard
Richard
At which time I'll take the proceeds and buy this:
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
nyc....operative word being clained.
I've had a couple of people ask for my help in the Acura forums. Once I give it, I've been chastised by them for not getting the "claimed" deal the others posted about.
Bottom line, not a lot of those "prices" story have a lot of basis in truth, or the buyers are paying exorbitant fees, or got hosed on their trade-in, or.......
As the saying goes, no good deed goes unpunished! :sick:
a need for a STC (Senior Texting Code) so younger people will know what the old ones are talking about . . .
BTW: Bring The Wheelchair
BYOT: Bring Your Own Teeth
CBM: Covered By Medicare
CUATSC: See You At The Senior Center
FWB: Friend With Beta Blockers
FWIW: Forgot Where I Was
FYI: Found Your Insulin
GGPBL: Gotta Go, Pacemaker Battery Low!
GHA: Got Heartburn Again
HGBM: Had Good Bowel Movement
IMHO: Is My Hearing-Aid On?
LMDO: Laughing My Dentures Out
LOL: Living On Lipitor
LWO: Lawrence Welk's On
OMMR: On My Massage Recliner
OMSG: Oh My! Sorry, Gas.
ROFL... CGU: Rolling On The Floor Laughing... And Can't Get Up
TTYL: Talk To You Louder
WAITT: Who Am I Talking To?
WTFA: Wet The Furniture Again
WTP: Where's The Prunes?
WWNO: Walker Wheels Need Oil
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I have never felt the need to text.
DIL #1 learned that about 2 years ago. When I didn’t respond to her message she called and said, “I sent you a text message about an hour ago and you didn’t get back to me. I thought maybe something was wrong so I figured I better call to make sure”. I said, “see, you do know how to talk don’t you and thanks for being concerned but now you know how to get a hold of me”. When Son #1 heard about this he just laughed and said, “he’s not going to change anytime soon, get used to it”.
I don’t play the IM thing at work either. People have learned that the hard way. Emails are bad enough but IM, never.
This information age ain’t for everyone.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
P.S. how would that 135 fair as a track car?
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I've come to see that under the right circumstance, IM can be a lifesaver.
I was on a conference call earlier this year with my boss & another department, negotiating the terms of a systems enhancement. I could tell from the way the conversation was going that my boss was about to make an expensive (for us) commitment.
Since I was working from home that day, I couldn't jump up & down & make faces at her. So I shot off a terse IM that kept her from opening her mouth at the wrong moment. Disaster averted.
I don't particularly like IM, but it's certainly an arrow that I want in my quiver.
Sounds good!
how would that 135 fair as a track car?
Not any better. I really don't think that the automatic would be a serious handicap, but it still has wider tires on the back and it would still need a bit of work on the suspension. Grrr...
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
The Sandman
2023 Hyundai Kona Limited AWD (wife) / 2025 VW GTI (me) / 2019 Chevrolet Cruze Premier RS (daughter #1) / 2020 Hyundai Accent SE (daughter #2) / 2023 Subaru Impreza Base (son)
I still have my "humble" watch and it still works well.
I was 21 years old newly married and a fresh, hopeful new Sears employee. I was also facing Army Basic Training since I was a new reservist. Money was tight and I needed a watch.
So I took a look at the Timex display Sears had and I picked one out. I think it was something like 23.00.
In those days, Sears offered something called an Employee Accomodation Account. They would deduct 10% a week from your check and you paid no interest. We got paid weekly in those years.
I still have it, it still works well, and once in awhile, I'll wear it as a reminder of years gone by.
25 NX 450h+ / 24 Sienna Plat AWD / 23 Civic Type-R / 21 Boxster GTS 4.0
I have never seen that offered as an option. The door edge guards I usually see are chrome colored or clear plastic, and they look like an add on item.
Makes sense if you are keeping your car and want to add some extra protection. I always liked pin stripes too, and thought they added a nice touch for not too much money, but I haven't noticed pin stripes on too many new cars these days.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Richard
You probably can't change the will that easily anyway - it's in parchment! Or was that papyrus?.... Mine's carved in a rock.
IM = instant messaging or irritating mumbo jumbo or idiot's monotony...
Also, text messaging tends to be a little less intrusive and creates less of a stir when compared to a cell phone call.
In terms of Instant Messaging, I frequently get messages from work while I'm in class that need my immediate attention. I can't answer the phone and if I step out of class, I miss what is going on during the lecture. Using Instant Messaging, I can multitask and not miss out on anything.
Richard - My grandmother is 79 years old, and uses Skype to videochat with my family in Israel and Australia, she has an iPhone that she sends me text messages from and uploads pictures to facebook from, and she uses AOL Instant Messenger to send me Instant Messages. If she can do it, so can you!
Is that supposed to make us feel good? I think I speak for ‘fez’ here when I say we set the bar higher than that.
I don't even know what IM stands for in this information world
IM = Instant Messaging. It’s supposed to be a very quick type of messaging but it only leads to more messaging. Like you, if it’s important, CALL. I don’t have time for quick yapping.
jmonroe
'15 Genesis V8 with Ultimate Package and '18 Legacy Limited 6 cyl
She showed me (but now I still can't find it). She then asked how I was doing with text messages. I said, oh my this phone doesn't do that. To which she said, Mr R (same as Hillary's maiden) you have a great phone and it should text well.
No kidding says I. I then explained what the saleslady showed me to my wife. Amazing. Haven't used it since.
2013 Mustang GT, 2001 GMC Yukon Denali
Please explain what "staggered wheels" are, if possible to a lay-person.
Also, I know it is a dumb --- question, but if the car is going to be altered and used mostly for racing, why are you looking at a brand new car? I am not trying to be a problem, just curious.
And, those motorcycles look amazing these days. I have "zero" desire to ride one, but I find designs have come a long way. When I try to look for names on bikes I see speeding by me I seem to like the design of Yamahas.
It seems people who like motorcycles are really into brand loyalty. That is what I have observed. If people like Harleys that is all they want.....what do you think?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I am glad you asked what IM stood for...I was too embarassed to ask.
Guess there isn't too much chance you are texting or tweeting either?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
The rear tires/wheels are wider, which increases understeer.
Also, I know it is a dumb --- question, but if the car is going to be altered and used mostly for racing, why are you looking at a brand new car? I am not trying to be a problem, just curious.
Not dumb, really- the thing is, I don't race the car; I instruct at high performance driving events(HPDEs). Yes, I do lap race courses, but not at anywhere close to 10/10ths. As far as alterations go, the modifications wouldn't be anything extreme- bushings, anti-roll bars, and springs(maybe). I've always traced my daily drivers, which is why I became so annoyed with the Mazda- it's proven to be not up to the task- even though the Mazdaspeed division touts the car as being track ready.
It seems people who like motorcycles are really into brand loyalty. That is what I have observed. If people like Harleys that is all they want.....what do you think?
It depends on the brand; Harley people do tend to stick with Harleys, although I have a friend who owns a Harley and a Triumph Daytona. Everyone thought I would buy a BMW bike but I wound up with a Triumph. If I bought something other than a BMW or Triumph it would almost certainly be European- probably an Aprilia, Ducati, KTM, or Moto Guzzi.
Mine: 1995 318ti Club Sport-2020 C43-1996 Speed Triple Challenge Cup Replica
Wife's: 2021 Sahara 4xe
Son's: 2018 330i xDrive
Not many cars do this, normally just very high performance and/or sports cars Corvette, Porsche, and apparently some sport model BMWs.
they do this to try and balance the handling characteristics.
a side benefit is, no more tire rotations! the downside is, you probably wear out the rears much faster.
I would actually think it would be a benefit in track use, but I guess not!
that, and a dedicated track car can make life much easier, if not cheaper.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
What's amusing about this is you can replace a few words, and it's the same phrase used by my grandparents many years ago.
Phone call? Never. If you can't come see me in person, it must not really be that important.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Find me at kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
2015 Kia Soul, 2021 Subaru Forester (kirstie_h), 2024 GMC Sierra 1500 (mr. kirstie_h)
Review your vehicle
Exactly a parallel.
My pet peeve is people who we send a text message to and get no response. They consider themselves trendy and up-to-date. If we try a phone call, no response: call to house phone leave message; call to cell phone leave message. No response.
But let this relative text and not get a response in two minutes, they text the other phone. Then they get upset that nobody got back to them in a timely manner.
Texting and phones that do everything have led to a new type of rudeness.
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Many times my wife will send me a text to do something before I go home, pick up something or do something thats not overly important. It's much better than calling since most of the time I would be unable to answer the phone. But i could take a quick look at the text when time permits. It's a lot faster than checking voicemail.
2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2014 BMW 428i convertible, 2015 Honda CTX700D
Lots of cars have staggered tires and wheels these days. Pretty much any sports sedan, coupe or convertible by Mercedes, Audi, BMW, Lexus, or any number of other makes (rear wheel drive) have wider tires/wheels on the rear. On some models it is standard, and some an optional package. Of course, you seldom see this on a front wheel drive car.
And of course, almost all race cars do as well.
On a happier note I just enjoyed watching a Seinfeld rerun. One of the best shows ever IMO.
No real reason for the smiley face. I just put it there cause I could ! :shades:
2013 LX 570 2016 LS 460
Thanks for the very interesting and informative answers. What exactly is understeer? Is it like torque steering you get in front wheel drive cars when you try to start off fast. That's what the Nissan Sentra rental car had in a big way. Steering really pulls on ice or when starting quickly.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Sounds interesting. I wouldn't mind giving up tire rotations. It isn't too bad with snow tires because they are changing the tires any way. I didn't like doing them when I didn't bother with snow tires.
I didn't notice if all 1 Series had larger rear tires...is it only an M model?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I could be wrong but I think it must only be on the performance models. It isn't on our 3 Series 335 sedan or 328 convertible.
I guess you would get the same size in snow tires if you wanted snow tires?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Voice mail makes it almost impossible to reach someone these days. Almost no one calls you back!
I called the service department to make an appointment to take the car in and all the attendants were busy, so I could leave a message or stay on the line, and it told me I was 4th in line. That was a new one, now I know where I stand in line at least...I think it would really upset me if I was number 27.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
In a car that understeers, the front end leads the way.
The opposite is oversteer, and that is where the rear end swings around and you essentially "back off" the roadway.
car makers tune cars for understeer since it is considered a lot safer. Doesn't help ultimate handling, but for normal driving (and lousy drivers) it is probably better for them to see where they are going! Also more likely you will keep the car on the road, as the front tires just grind down as the car plows ahead.
Old rear engine porshes were famous for oversteer (called lift throttle) where the rear end would snap around if you weren't careful in a corner, and that is not something that is easy to catch.
nose heavy FWD cars are by design more prone to understeer.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
In a car that understeers, the front end leads the way.
Great explanation....I actually get it now! I have said it before, but I am amazed at the knowledge available on this particular post, and in the way technical problems are explained so well.
The larger wheels in the rear are something I never noticed, and I wouldn't imagine why a car would be designed that way, but it all makes complete sense when explained so well.
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
I know when we bought the TV 2 years ago Best Buy had a can of cleaner for about $20 and I said I would think about it, but didn't go back because I thought it might be a rip off thing...like Monster Wires.
Can you just use Windex?
Any ideas?
2017 MB E400 , 2015 MB GLK350, 2014 MB C250
Texting....I embrace technology because I work in it. Texting really doesn't bother me, unless it inconveniences me (just like cell phone calls). Some basic rules (that should be obvious to any half way smart person)....
-Don't text and try to drive, not even when you're stopped (because you will certainly miss the light turning). There is absolutely no circumstance....zero, zip, none, nada.....where texting is allowed while in a car. It's just like those who want a DVD player to play while in a running car. It's a "no-no". I don't care if it's only for passengers. It's a distraction, just like texting.
Anything that disracts your eyes from the road, is a BIG NO-NO!
-Don't text while waiting in a line, any line, for anything. People need you to pay attention and move along, not text. Texting in line is just rude to all of those other people behind you.
-Don't text someone when you're in the middle of a conversation with someone else. That's the height of being inconsiderate.
-If you text me, and I don't text back in a reasonable amount of time, it means I'm busy. No reason to text me again and again. I'll get back to you when I'm freed up.
-AT&T, Verizon, et al....do not text me with your latest offers, for any reason. If I want more of your services, I'll let you know.
-Do not text me with pictures of your little dog wearing antlers, you're newly decorated Christmas tree, little Johnny eating his first hot dog, etc. I don't care about it that much to want to have a pic of that on my phone.
Geez....I sound like a Grinch over the holiday season, but those are my rules. :shades: